NFL fans across America have just declared war on Pork Roll, or Taylor Ham if you must.
East Rutherford, NJ – New Jersey’s most divisive breakfast meat has taken another hit. A new nationwide survey ranked the pork roll — or Taylor ham, depending on your side of the Parkway — as one of the least popular tailgate foods in the NFL.
The report, released by LiveSportsonTV, surveyed 3,045 football fans to find America’s favorite and least-favorite game-day dishes. While Southern barbecue and Midwest staples dominated the top spots, the Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich served up at Giants and Jets tailgates landed at a humble #57 on the list.
The survey arrives just weeks after Rep. Mikie Sherrill jokingly declared her dislike for pork roll, sparking renewed debate over the Garden State’s signature meat. It appears many football fans nationwide agree — the salty, rubbery breakfast classic simply doesn’t travel well from diner griddles to stadium parking lots.
Last week, Jack Ciattarelli showed up to the Giants tailgate at MetLife Stadium, handing out pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwiches—a pointed nod to New Jersey’s breakfast pride.
The Giants went on to “Pork Roll” the Eagles 34-17.
Ciattarelli served up the delicious pork product beloved by millions in New Jersey to show his opponent that she’s one of the few people in the state who thinks pork roll (or Taylor Ham) is gross.
The tailgate party comes amid a swirling controversy after his opponent, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, was quoted saying, “Who eats pork roll? I think that’s gross,” which Ciattarelli’s team immediately used to challenge her New Jersey authenticity.
A battle over breakfast became political
The so-called Taylor ham versus pork roll debate is more than culinary: it’s a regional marker in New Jersey, with “Taylor ham” used mostly in the north and “pork roll” more common in central and southern counties.
Ciattarelli’s campaign amplified Sherrill’s remark in digital ads and social media, framing it as evidence she’s out of touch with quintessential Jersey culture.
After all, she’s from Virginia, and who knows what team she follows, if any. One thing is certain.
There’s a direct correlation between delicious New Jersey pork roll and victory. Ciattarelli is hoping that correlation helps him on Election Day.
Southern smoke dominates the scoreboard
Topping the national list was the University of Georgia’s pulled pork BBQ, earning the title of America’s best tailgate dish. Chicago-style Italian beef and Philly cheesesteaks followed close behind, proving that slow-smoked meats and regional sandwiches reign supreme among football fans.
Fans praised Georgia’s pulled pork for its tenderness and unmistakable aroma of smoke drifting through Athens on game day. “It’s tradition, not just food,” one respondent said. In contrast, New Jersey’s pork roll sandwich, though beloved locally, failed to win hearts outside state lines.
Giants and Jets faithful defend their turf
At MetLife Stadium, the Taylor ham sandwich remains a mainstay of cold-weather tailgates. Fans layer fried slices of pork roll on hard rolls with egg and melted cheese, wrapping them in foil to keep warm through kickoff.
“It’s what we grew up on,” said one Giants fan while flipping breakfast sandwiches off a tailgate griddle. “You can keep your brisket — this is Jersey.”
But the survey suggests national fans aren’t biting. Despite its regional fame, the sandwich fell far below classic staples like burgers, ribs, and wings in overall approval.
What fans really want at tailgates
According to the survey, 44% of respondents said the food itself makes or breaks a tailgate, followed by the people (33%) and the music or traditions (11%). Burgers and hot dogs remain the undisputed champions of game-day grub, while wings and ribs hold steady in the top five.
When asked which foods were overrated, wings surprisingly took the top spot — yet still finished far higher than pork roll.
Home-field flavor, mixed reviews
Despite the low national ranking, the pork roll sandwich still carries deep roots in New Jersey culture. Whether you call it pork roll or Taylor ham, it remains the unofficial breakfast of the Garden State — even if the rest of the country doesn’t share the enthusiasm.
